Slammers sign college gun Voelkel

Josh Zimmerman, SOUTH WESTERN TIMESSouth Western Times

Friday, 14 November 2014 1:03PM

Collie Crane Hire South West Slammers coach Ty Harrelson is wasting no time putting together his roster for next season, this week announcing the recruitment of former University of Vermont standout Brian Voelkel.

The powerfully built forward spent four years as a Vermont Catamount and leaves the college as its all-time leader in rebounds (1168) and assists (679) while also averaging six points per game.

He is the only player in NCAA history with more than 1000 rebounds and 600 assists and boasts an extensive list of career honours, including America East Rookie of the Year (2011) and Defensive Player of the Year (2014) awards as well as selection to the conference First Team in both 2013 and 2014.

Harrelson said Voelkel had the physical tools to fill the role of the departed Todd Hendley but, at only 22, he is not likely to have the injury concerns that plagued the 2014 Slammers recruit.

“He is a very strong player who can play multiple positions and is really the guy I was hoping to get when I first started looking at recruiting, ” Harrelson said.

“I thought he was going to sign with a team in Europe so when his agent came back and said he wanted to play in Australia I was pretty excited.”

In a letter of endorsement, University of Vermont assistant coach Kyle Cieplicki praised Voelkel for his “non-stop motor” and character both on and off the court.

“His passing numbers speak to the unselfishness with which he plays and lives,” Cieplicki said.

“On senior night, in his last game on our home floor, he volunteered his starting spot for another senior who had never started a game in his career.

“This is consistent with his willingness to include others on and off the floor — Brian is always trying to make his teammates better.”

Voelkel’s Vermont Catamounts reached the America East play-offs in each of the four years he was with the program, winning the conference championship in 2012 and finishing runners-up the following year.

Due to arrive in Bunbury early next year, Voelkel said he hoped to contribute to a winning tradition with the Slammers.

“I see myself doing a little bit of everything and whatever I need to do to help get wins, ” he said.

“In college I was known for my rebounding, defence and passing so I hope to continue that and also prove my scoring ability.”

In other roster news, Slammers big man Clive Weeden has been offered a new contract while guards Wade Hitchcock, Josh Weir, Paddy Phillips, Brendon Canzirri and young forward Mitch Keller are all expected to return next season.